"If you have the strength
to endure this abuse, then you have the strength to get out..."
Remove weapons from the home.
Plan to escape during a calm "honeymoon" period; not during
or right after a violent incident.
Keep extra money and credit cards in a safe place.
Keep a suitcase packed with the necessities, important papers,
and treasured irreplaceable items (i.e., photos),
and store it at a
friend's home.
If possible put a phone in the bathroom.
Make an extra set of keys to the house and cars and keep
them in a safe place.
Confide in a neighbor, friend and relative to be available for at
least temporary assistance at any time (a place
to flee to).
If you have no other choices, call a domestic
violence shelter
in your area.
If appropriate, talk to children about the possibility of fleeing
(consider the age of the children, ability to
keep secret).
Teach children to dial 911 responsibly (when you shout
"police", for example).
Identify the early warning signs of possible violence so that you
can prepare to escape. Please keep in mind
that this
preparation for escape will take some long - term
planning.
YOU ARE
NOT HELPLESS - YOU CAN DO IT!!!
